We need some cool rules, don't you think?

[Pat Coyle]

Now that this site has gained some critical mass, it seems time to talk about a code of conduct, or misson / vision statement. It seems to me we need some way for everyone to know what's appropriate and what's not on the site. For example:

1. Direct sales - Should members be allowed to approach other members with uninvited sales pitches?

I vote for no direct selling.

2. Messaging - Can anyone message anyone else? Or do you need to be friends first?

I vote to allow messaging, but if someone's bugging you and they don't stop, notify the admin and that person can get suspended or banned.

3, Invitations - Should we invite anyone / everyone to join this site, or do we want to be somewhat selective and recruit the most creative people first?

I vote that everyone is welcome as long as they play by the rules., and I encourage everyone to invite the most creative and interesting people they know.

That's all I can think of for now...will these rules suffice? I don't want to add too many more...what do you guys think we really need??

[Lorraine Ball]

ONe of the cool things is the classified section of the forum. This is a great place to post requests for proposals,etc. rather than in your blog which then ends up on the home page, and seems a bit out of sync with the intention of the site which is more idea exchange.

[Nicki Laycoax]

I'm a little late replying to this one..

-I definitely think that direct sales are out the door.

-Messaging is a great thing; we have both the comments and private messaging to choose from, allowing options in contacting one another.

-Invitations-I like that there are all types of people on here. Creativity is in the eye of the beholder and if given an ocean, a fish will continue to grow, but if confined to a tank, they stay the same size. Let's help develop some whales! We can learn something from everyone if we keep an open mind, so stay positive, and look for groups and posts that apply to you-and if you don't feel they apply to you, read 'em, they may spark a new idea! That's what we're here for right?

Making people and ideas findable.

[Stephen James]

This video post from ProBlogger might help someone new to online social networks.

His points are the following:
- Be an Active Participant
- Have a Consistent Presence on Different Social Media Sites
- Add Value to the Wider Community
- Let Others Sell You

[R. Brennan Knotts]

The following is more of a suggestion than a rule...

4. Friends - Use this feature to highlight deeper relationships. For me this means I should have had at least one direct interaction with someone, digital or otherwise, before adding her/him as a "friend." Adding someone who is a stranger ultimately devalues the "friend" signifier.

I have had strangers request the friend connection who specified in their request why they were reaching out to me, and if their reason is even slightly compelling, I'm happy to accept. I like meeting new people, especially when they pre-qualify themselves as bold and extroverted by uniquely reaching out to a stranger...just have a reason and communicate that reason to me.